Army chief of staff Gen. Moeldoko looks set to take the reins of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and replace Adm. Agus Suhartono, who will retire on Aug. 25, as commander.

'The House of Representatives received a letter from the President [Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono] regarding the candidate slated to replace the current commander. I received the information from the Commission I Secretariat,' said Fayakhun Andriadi, a member of Commission I, which oversees defense at the House, on Sunday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Fayakhun said Commission I was ready to process Moeldoko's candidacy by holding a fit-and-proper test when the House returns from its recess.

Praising Moeldoko, Fayakhun said the Army Chief of Staff was the right figure to replace the current TNI commander.

'Regarding whether the next TNI commander is from Army, Air Force or Navy, it's the President's prerogative. We won't question it,' said Fayakhun.

Moeldoko is one of three names, including Navy chief of staff Adm. Marsetio and Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia, submitted by Agus Suhartono to the President as his successor candidates.

Moeldoko was the best graduate of the Military Academy (Akmil) in 1981, receiving the Adhi Makayasa medal. (ebf)